Agency notes that counterfeit pills often contain fentanyl and methamphetamine<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
By Physician\u2019s Briefing Staff HealthDay Reporter<\/b><\/p>\n
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THURSDAY, Oct. 3, 2024 (HealthDay News) — Counterfeit medications from online pharmacies pose significant risks to patients, including overdose and death, according to a warning issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.<\/p>\n
The warning follows a federal indictment<\/a> announced last week against 18 individuals who are accused of running a massive illegal online pharmacy operation.<\/p>\n “The victims of the scheme include people from all walks of life — people of all ages and occupations — from all 50 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Germany, and Slovenia,” the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement<\/a> announcing the indictment. “At least nine victims who purchased counterfeit pills from the defendants died of narcotics poisoning, including a 45-year-old army veteran who thought she was purchasing real oxycodone.”<\/p>\n In its warning, the CDC noted that the counterfeit pills frequently contained fentanyl and methamphetamine.<\/p>\n The problem is pervasive: According to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy<\/a>, almost 95 percent of online pharmacies operate illegally and 24 percent of Americans who have used an online pharmacy have been exposed to harmful, counterfeit, or substandard medications.<\/p>\n In light of that, people should only take medications prescribed by a licensed health care provider and dispensed by a licensed pharmacy, the CDC said.<\/p>\n